Arrival at Bari or Brindisi International Airports.

Alternatively, for those travelers who will already be in Italy before the painting retreat starting day, we will be able to arrange transfers from the Lecce or Bari train stations as well. (Please note that transfers can only be guaranteed for those arriving on the designated arrival day)

Please aim to land at the Bari Airport or arrive at the Bari train station by 1 p.m. on May 19th so everyone can join the included transfer to the farmhouse.

Arrival in Salento and accommodation in the ancient, charming Masseria Limbitello!

Meet your Retreat Leaders around 6 PM for a first aperitivo, followed by a retreat presentation. 

Welcome dinner at the Masseria and overnight stay.

Your Masseria (Typical Apulian Farmhouse)

Masseria Limbitello is a very authentic, local Masseria that will provide you with a quintessential Apulian experience, while providing you with all the comforts and space to enjoy your painting sessions!

Very close to the sandy, untouched beaches of Salento, Masseria Limbitello is a true charming agriturismo offering the chance to experience authentic Italian life. 

Surrounded by 30 hectares of cultivated land, the masseria is immersed in lush nature, where the silence of the countryside is broken only by the chirping of cicadas, the rustling of the wind, and the gentle touch of the sun.

After breakfast at the Masseria, it's time to embrace the first morning of painting along with the Retreat Leaders. 

9:30 AM to 12:30 PM - Painting Time with Dru and Silvia 

Join Silvia and Dru for a painting demonstration of the skills and techniques you will learn and develop over the week. 

Enjoy a lovely lunch at the Masseria, and some relaxing time, before exploring the stunning "capital" of the Salento region: Lecce.

In the afternoon, you will reach this stunning city in the southernmost part of Apulia. Known as the "Florence of the South," Lecce is famed for its stunning Baroque architecture.

Take part in a beautiful guided tour of the city! You will spend the afternoon exploring the city's highlights, including the picturesque Piazza Duomo, the Basilica di Santa Croce, and several Baroque churches. We'll also pass by the historic Carlo V Castle and visit the iconic Piazza Sant'Oronzo, where the Roman Amphitheatre takes center stage.

During the visit, you’ll delve into Lecce’s traditional art of papier-mâché (cartapesta), with a visit to an authentic artisanal boutique that keeps this Baroque craft alive. In this experience, you will also witness a brief demonstration of ancient paper-making techniques.

In the evening, we will enjoy dinner in a typical tavern restaurant in Lecce's city center, before heading back to our Masseria!

After breakfast at the Masseria, we will enjoy a relaxing morning on a private boat ride along the gorgeous coast of Otranto! 

Hop on our private bus to reach Otranto, and get ready for a leisurely morning spent on the water. 

Here we will embark on a two-hour sail along the Salento coastline to experience some of Puglia's most enchanting sights and beaches. The skipper will advise, depending on wind conditions, whether to sail south or north of the city. While on the boat, you will also be delighted by an excellent aperitif made of local products as well as prosecco!

In the afternoon, return to the Masseria, where you will take part in a painting session along with Dru and Silvia.

Afterward, we will explore the Santa Cesarea coastal area beach and the fascinating site of Torre Sant'Andrea before heading to Otranto. In this historic, traditional Pugliese coastal town, we will visit the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, a Romanesque masterpiece famous for its medieval floor mosaics depicting Pantaleone's Tree of Life.

In the evening, we'll enjoy a fantastic dinner at a typical local restaurant before returning to the Masseria. 

After breakfast at the masseria,  depart at 8:30 a.m. for a full day immersed in the beauty of the Itria Valley.

At around 10:30 a.m., we will arrive at a historic farmhouse, where we will take part in a unique outdoor painting session. By 1:30 p.m., a light but flavorful lunch will be served, prepared with fresh, local products from the farmhouse itself.

In the afternoon, we’ll head to the charming hilltop village of Locorotondo, renowned for its circular old town and whitewashed houses—one of the most picturesque gems of the valley.

Returning to the masseria in the evening, the day concludes with a pizza-making class. We will craft our own pizza and then enjoy a delicious tasting experience together.

After breakfast at the Masseria, we’ll have a painting workshop from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM, followed by a light lunch at the Masseria. 

9:30 AM to 12:30 PM - Painting Time with Dru and Silvia

After lunch, continue indulging your creativity with more painting time alongside your maestros.

After this creative time, we’ll continue to Minervino di Lecce to visit a local historical winery, where tradition meets innovation in the heart of Puglia’s wine country.

We’ll uncover the craft behind some of the region’s most celebrated wines, followed by a dinner and guided tasting at their elegant restaurant — a perfect expression of Pugliese hospitality and flavor.

Afterwards, return to the masseria for a peaceful overnight stay under the Salento sky.

After breakfast at the Masseria, we’ll continue our painting workshop from 9:30 AM to 1:00 PM, followed by a light lunch.

9:30 AM to 12:30 PM - Painting Time with Dru and Silvia

After lunch, board our private bus for a transfer to Cutrofiano. Here we will visit an Ancient Masseria known for its excellent wine and extra virgin olive oil production.

The family has been running this historical place since 1935. Here is a chance for our artists and travelers to learn about Puglia's farming culture and traditions!

During the tour, you will visit its vineyards, olive groves, ancient cooperage, and underground oil mill. After exploring and learning about the Masseria, we will enjoy an en plein air painting session.

End the day with a traditional dinner, featuring local products, before heading back to our Masseria for an overnight stay.

Let's enjoy one last full day in the Salento region!

After breakfast at the Masseria, we’ll continue our painting workshop from 9:30 AM to 1:00 PM, followed by a light lunch.

9:30 AM to 12:30 PM - Painting Time with Dru and Silvia

In the afternoon, enjoy a few more hours of creativity and art in the peaceful masseria setting!

We’ll end the day at the agriturismo "Lu Schiau", where you’ll savor traditional Salento organic, farm-to-table dishes.

Let's spend one more night toasting and cheering to new friendships and the very first Blair Center for the Arts Painting Retreat in Puglia!

Return to the Masseria for one last night in Puglia!

After breakfast, we’ll check out and transfer to Bari, the capital of Puglia and a historic trade crossroads with the East. Depending on your departure plans, we will drop you off at the Bari Train Station or the International Airport. 

It is time to say... “Arrivederci in Puglia”!

Please let us know if you're planning to spend more days in Italy. I for Italia will be more than happy to help you assisting in your travel plans! 

If time permits, and depending on flight schedules, we can explore the Old Town, famous for the Basilica of San Nicola and its charming alleyways, where we may spot local women making traditional orecchiette pasta by hand.

You will be able to enjoy some free time for strolling or shopping in Bari’s city center. Lunch at a restaurant can also be arranged if desired.

On departure day, please note that we guarantee one transfer back to Bari for the whole group. The departure time follows breakfast, generally between 9 and 10 AM. If you need to get to Bari earlier than that, we can arrange a private transfer for you at an extra cost.